Full Circle! Jacksonville, Florida

Garmin and I got the Gold!! Monday, April 4, 2016

Full Circle! I have completed my dream of completing America's Great Loop, circumnavigating the eastern United States waterways including Canada! 

Garmin's enjoying his last day along his epic journey circumnavigating America's Great Loop!

St. Augustine Lighthouse.

Historic St. Augustine.

The oldest masonry fort in the Continental United States:

Click here:  Castillo de San Marcos

Mission cross of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine, FL stands 208 feet tall.

Looks like something out of Star Wars!

Jacksonville, Florida. Back to where our journey began less than 12 months ago.

We love our bridge repair guys!

Crossing our wake, right "here" near mile marker 740. We've been at sea too long as we are wearing "Red, Right, Return".

We crossed Cathy and Michael, aboard Trawler Life, as they are underway on Day 1 of their Great Loop journey and we are on the last day of our Great Loop journey! They took our first photo underway of being official Gold Loopers!

Trawler Life begins their year long journey today!

And.....he's done. What a journey!

Similar boat name.

Celebrating our new status as official "Gold Loopers"!

Retiring our very tattered Great Loop White Burgee, "Looper-In-Progress Flag".

AGLCA = America's Great Loop Cruisers Association.

Tossing my torn up "Locking-through" gloves after 108 Locks. We would have held a memorial burning of the gloves ceremony, but this marina has a 'burn ban'.

At port, bow view, Ortega Landing Marina, Jacksonville, Florida.

Garmin enjoying his "Gold Looper Dog" ceremonial Rib-Eye bone!

What a ride!

Our travel map. Each anchor represents our Ports of Call during our 11 month journey circumnavigating America's Great Loop, including Canada.

Our first "Gold Looper Sunset"!

Our 1st Day Underway! Fernandina Beach, Florida

We threw the lines at 7:30 this morning and were finally underway! Charlie was handling lines while I was at the helm taking us out of the port. The weather was foggy and cool but plenty of visibility to be underway.  So many Dolphins spotted along the way. We traveled approximately 56 nautical miles today and are anchored at Fernandina Beach, FL for night.

I was at the helm to go underway....As I looked at the tight turns and exit from the dock to the river, I found myself repeating the words my brother Marty uses, "I got this". And I did!

Charlie tending to the lines and cords.

Our Adventure Officially Begins!!  Thank you Murphy, from Lamb's Yacht Center Family, for emailing us this photo you took!!! To us it is priceless!!

Charlie is a happy man on the bow!

Charlie now at the helm taking us through our first bridge opening.  We had an hour wait for all the trains to finally pass before the bridge was lifted for our passage. (Note to self:  Check bridge schedules).  This actually gave us time to get more acquainted with all the navigation systems and radar.

Second bridge opening was great as we actually disrupted Jacksonville's rush hour. Sorry all you commuters!

 Beautiful Main Street Bridge in downtown Jacksonville, FL.

Loved seeing the Crown Plaza Riverfront from this view as it was my "home" for 9 days.

Our first encounter with LARGE traffic.......

My view while in the galley preparing lunch!

Garmin is having a tough time adjusting to his new lifestyle.....Pppfffffttttt!

Anchored (on the hook) at Fernandina Beach, FL. Since it was low-tide, it was time to drop anchor and celebrate a great day, successful cruise, and new beginning! Our boat performed perfectly and it was such a smooth and quiet cruise!

Thank you Marty and Linda for the lovely celebratory bottle of bubbly!

We want to send out a huge "Thank You" to Lamb's Yacht Center;  Peggy Sue Williams, Owner, Michael, Richard, Marcus, and so many hard working, caring, and happy people (employees) that made our transition so pleasant. You all treated us like family and we are forever grateful.

Peggy Sue Williams was so generous to offer us the use of her awesome 'antique El Camino'!  It was so appreciated for all those last minute errands and provisioning. It was such a cool ride!